Brighton Meadows

TEAM WEIR NEWSLETTER - MAY 2020

In This Issue…

  1. David’s Update & Gift Certificate Draw
  2. Quinte Real Estate News
  3. How To Improve Indoor Air Quality Quickly
  4. Not-So-Obvious Home Staging Tips
  5. Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  6. Did You Know?

DAVID'S UPDATE & GIFT CERTIFICATE DRAW

During this trying time, it’s not surprising that so many homeowners are anxious and exhausted. Perhaps you’ve been feeling the same way. If so, keep in mind that the COVID-19 outbreak will eventually wind down and, hopefully, things will be back to normal soon. We’re all in this together - and we’ll get through it!


As you probably already know, a key to getting through challenges like this one is to remember to reach out for help when you need it. That’s why I’ve been making myself fully available to those who have real estate questions or need advice and help. In that vein, Team Weir has once again partnered with MoveSnap, an online concierge service that provides a knowledgeable representative to also help you with a multitude of tasks once your house is sold … such as cancelling or transferring utilities, changing addresses, and much more.


We’re now active on Instagram and are committed to using this platform to also support local businesses. Once we hit 300 followers, we will draw another name for a $50 gift certificate to a local business of their choice. Buying local in these times is even more important.  Want to follow us but don’t live locally?  We will donate the monies to a charity of your choice!  

David Weir

Team Weir members are available to complete a no cost - no obligation market evaluation if you are considering selling your home.

CONTACT US

QUINTE REAL ESTATE NEWS

As a real estate professional, I have access to the latest data and information, and can give you a clear picture of what’s going on in the local real estate scene. I can offer you some clarity, which is so important in a time of so much uncertainty.

Realtors ® were deemed an essential service provider by the Provincial government and, as such, we have continued to assist those who need to buy or sell real estate. For example, some people had already bought a home and needed to sell the one they are presently occupying. Also, some families are forced to relocate due to work requirements, whether leaving or coming to the Quinte region.  These are but a couple of situations in which someone might ‘have to’ buy or sell, regardless of the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in today.

The number of sales and listings is certainly down recently. April 2020 saw a 21% drop in listings in Quinte vs April 2019.  However, the average sale price in Quinte was actually up 5% in April 2020 vs 2019.  The lack of supply certainly helps with the price increases. And, as a result, our Team continues to sell homes in multiple offer situations or, in many cases, within two weeks or less.   

So, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions about the market or about your options today. Weir here to help!

HOW TO QUICKLY IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

There are many reasons why the air quality in your home may not be at its best. A faulty furnace or an aged carpet are just two potential culprits. Until you get those issues addressed, how can you make your indoor air healthier - today?


Here are some ideas:


Check the furnace filter. This is one of the most overlooked maintenance items in the home. Any furnace repair person can tell you stories about filters they’ve seen caked in dust. Make sure those aren’t yours. Air passes through those filters before circulating throughout your home. Replacing a filter takes less than five minutes.


Clean the drains. Drains are a surprisingly common source of odour in the home. Most people only clean them when they’re clogged, but they should be flushed thoroughly with a good-quality cleaner at least once a season. Turn on the bathroom fan. Not only do bathroom fans remove odour, they also reduce moisture build-up. About 50% of air pollutants originate from some type of moisture. Mould is the worst of these pollutants. Professionals recommend you keep your bathroom fan on for at least 30 minutes after a shower.


Clean your doormat. Even if your doormat doesn’t smell, it can be a source of air pollutants. When people wipe their shoes, they transfer outside ground pollutants from their shoes to your mat.


Of course, you can always open a window. That’s the most popular and easiest way to freshen the air, and it works. 

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS HOME STAGING TIPS

When it comes to “staging” your home for sale - which basically means ensuring it looks clean and uncluttered - you probably already know the basics: clean the counters, vacuum the floors, mow the lawn, etc.


But there are also some less obvious home staging tips that can help to sell your property faster and for a higher price. Here are a few examples.


The Kitchen

Obvious: The stove, sinks and countertops should be spotless.

Not-so-obvious: The contents of your cabinets and refrigerator should be facing forward.


The Bathrooms

Obvious: They should be clean and uncluttered. Have fresh towels hanging neatly on the rack. (Create the “hotel bathroom” look.)

Not-so-obvious: All towels should match. Ensure toilet lids are closed.


Your Bedroom

Obvious: Make the bed neatly. Check that the closet is organized and uncluttered. (If your closet is bulging with clothes, put some in storage.)

Not-so-obvious: Don’t leave any clothes out. Even clean clothes neatly folded in a hamper can seem untidy to some people.

The Kids’ Bedrooms

Obvious: They need to be clean and uncluttered. (Good luck!)

Not-so-obvious: Arrange stuffed animals, games and other toys like an attractive display in a toy store. It’s okay to have a toy, like a racetrack, out of the box. Just make sure it’s completely put together.

New clients of Team Weir, are eligible for a 2 hour complimentary consultation with a Professional Stager.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

At Team Weir your safety is our number one priority. Please review the below precautions as published by Pillar To To Post to protect your family and home from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused by fuel-burning sources such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves generators, and even fireplaces, and can result in illness or death. Take these smart precautions to help prevent a tragedy in your home:

  • Install CO detectors and learn what to do if an alarm activates. This is the most important step you can take!
  • Don’t use your gas stove or oven to heat the home, even temporarily.
  • Never use camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors.
  • Generators must only be used outdoors and kept at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents. Do not use a generator in a garage.
  • Make sure furnaces, water heaters, gas dryers, stoves and ovens are properly vented to the outside.
  • Never start a vehicle in a closed garage.
  • Have the chimney swept and inspected annually by a certified professional.

Thousands of people are accidentally poisoned each year by carbon monoxide, and hundreds die. Be proactive and lower the risk to yourself and your loved ones.

DID YOU KNOW?

  1. Only 3 Percent of the Earth’s Water is Fresh Water
  2. Over 68 Percent of Fresh Water on Earth is Trapped in Glaciers
  3. Water Regulates the Earth’s Temperature
  4. The Human Brain is 75 Percent Water
  5. A Person Can Only Live About a Week Without Water
  6. More than 25 Percent of Bottled Water Comes from a Municipal Water Supply